Recently on my personal blog’s Facebook page, I expressed some worry about keeping up my exercise routine this summer. You see, for the first time in my life, I actually have one. I’ve consistently gone to the Y 2-3 times a week at least since September, right after school got into full swing. I love my water aerobics and Zumba classes. And I’m a little worried that summer is going to throw this routine right out the window.

I got some great suggestions from my friends over there. One person mentioned that if the kids are biking, running, etc, she was also biking or walking. I’m trying to put that in practice immediately; when my kids are playing around on tricycles or bikes, I am walking small laps around the circle area. (And chasing a 2-year-old. Always!)

Another friend said to have a gym where the childcare was so awesome she couldn’t bribe her daughter with doughnuts NOT to go was essential. Two out of three of my children loooove the YMCA childcare. The center where I go has an awesome climbing area with slides, mazes, the works. My introverted 4-year-old, however, hates the place. He would rather be coloring or playing with cars. But once he gets there, he will generally at least wander around. So while I am exercising, they are getting exercise, too. And their love for the center motivates me to stick to my workout.

Even if you don’t belong to a gym, your family can stay active together this summer. Here are a few more suggestions.

Take a nightly walk after dinner, when the weather is slightly cooler.

Swim. A lot! Swimming burns a ton of calories, builds muscles, and strengthens the core. Plus you stay cool and have fun.

Train for a 5K together.

Make a list of all of the playgrounds in your city. Make it a goal to visit all of them during the summer. The kids will be more active as they explore a new area. You can chase kids, push swings, walk laps, or do push-ups on the equipment.

In February, I had a very sick baby. My youngest child was 11 months old. He was running a high fever that wasn’t coming down with medicine. His breathing seemed labored. It was really scary for me! And still, because it was at night, after all the doctor’s offices had closed, I questioned whether or not to take him to an urgent care clinic or just wait until morning.

After calling the after-hours line at our pediatrician’s, we decided it was pretty urgent that we take little Joshua to the walk-in pediatrician’s clinic. And I’m glad that we did, because he had influenza A. (Despite having had a flu shot!) We were able to start treating it immediately and in a few days he was ship-shape.

Whether it’s day or night, though, I think we all question ourselves when it comes to taking our children to the doctor’s office. Is it worth exposing him to germs? Is she really sick, or is it just a cold?

High, persistent fever – and always take your infant to the ER if her fever is over 100.4 rectally (under 3 months)

Labored or noisy (wheezy) breathing

Thick eye discharge that sticks the eyelids together

Not producing urine every 6-8 hours (due to vomiting or diarrhea)

Vomit or diarrhea containing blood

Extremely lethargy or a stiff neck

I think erring on the side of calling the nurse is never a bad thing … especially for Mommy and Daddy’s nerves! But if you’re stuck in a should-I-shouldn’t-I cycle, there are some pointers to consider.

Breastfeeding? Use caution with herbal supplements. Some herbs may lead to side effects in nursing babies. If you are breastfeeding, check with your pediatrician before using herbal supplements or teas.

While there is not much studied information on herbs and breastfeeding, here are some herbs that are known to lower milk supply in breastfeeding mothers:

Black Walnut

Chickweed

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)

Lemon Balm

Oregano

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)/Menthol

Periwinkle Herb (Vinca minor)

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)

Spearmint

Thyme

Yarrow

Normal amounts of herbs used in cooking will probably not affect your milk supply or baby; this list refers to herbs taken medicinally. As always, though, do check with your pediatrician for the most current information.

Depression is a serious mood disorder that often goes undetected in children because it may not look the same as it does in adults. Kids experience many of the same feelings and symptoms, but find it difficult to articulate and express. Diagnosis is also complicated by the fact that changes in academic, social, or emotional functioning can be normal childhood behaviors. For instance, increased temper tantrums and misbehavior could indicate depression rather than defiance.

Other signs and symptoms include:

Frequent irritation, sadness, anger, or boredom

Excessive crying

Withdrawal, loss of interest in hobbies, friends, or playing

Unexplained aches and pains; stomachaches and headaches are common

Difficulty concentrating

Sleeping too much or too little

Thinking about death or suicide

Children who appear depressed may actually be experiencing anxiety. Pay attention to your child. If she is showing symptoms that do not resolve with communication, support, and encouragement, a visit to the pediatrician is in order. Treatment generally includes professional counseling, medicines, and family work.

Going to the pediatrician’s office with a small infant or toddler can be an adventure in itself. It’s even harder if you’re faced with unexpected questions or concerns. Here’s a short list of age-appropriate skills your pediatrician will probably ask you about.

Remember that each child is different. If you have a concern, talk to your pediatrician.

Gross Motor Development

Lifts up head (1 to 4 months)

Rolls front to back (3 to 6 months)

Rolls back to front (4 to 7 months)

Sits with support (4 to 7 months)

Sits without support (5 to 9 months)

Creeps (5 to 10 months)

Crawls (6 to 11 months)

Pulls up to stand (6 to 12 months)

Cruises (9 to 14 months)

Walks (9 to 17 months)

Runs (13 to 20 months)

Fine Motor Development

Bats at objects (2 to 5 months)

Discovers hands and feet (3 to 5 months)

Transfers objects from one hand to the other hand (4 to 7 months)

Finger feeds (5 to 10 months)

Social/Emotional Development

Social smiles (1 to 3 months)

Learns object permanence (6 to 12 months)

Goes through stranger anxiety (6 to 12 months)

Language Development

Coos (1 to 4 months)

Laughs (3 to 6 months)

Turns to voice (3 to 6 months)

Blows raspberries (3 to 6 months)

Jabbers (5 to 9 months)

Says “mama” and “dada” specifically (9 to 14 months)

Have you ever been concerned about one of your child’s development skills? I was convinced at 18 months that my daughter was never going to really talk. At 25 months, that seems laughable. She never STOPS talking now. I think sometimes we create things to worry about, don’t you? –Jessie, Resident ParentLife Blogger

Here’s a little "extra" from our Growth Spurts: Birth to 1 Year article "Ah-Choo!" by Evelyn Hanes, R.N. — something we couldn’t quite squeeze in the November issue of ParentLife! The article speaks about when to take your infant to the doctor.

Your doctor’s office is not just for well-child checkups. Most offices have a “sick” area in the waiting room. During the worst of cold/flu/RSV season, they may take you immediately to a treatment room. This helps protect those who are not sick.

If your child is particularly fussy, he may not wait well. Ask for an appointment at the beginning of the day or immediately after the office lunch break for the shortest wait. Come with your biggest supply of patience! Your sanity may depend on a having a well-stocked diaper bag. Bring a couple of favorite toys and books as well as a snack and something to drink. Extra diapers and clothing are always a good idea. And do not forget the pacifier and “blankie” or other comforting object.

Try to keep your baby in your lap. The less he is able to touch toys and surfaces in the waiting room, the less chance he will pick up other germs. If your child does touch anything, keep his hands out of his mouth and wash them thoroughly as soon as possible. If at all possible, do not sit beside anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

It does not take long to realize that babies do not get sick on an appointed schedule. They get sick in the middle of the night or when you are out of town! Even in these inconvenient times, you should still have help readily available. All physician practices have a plan for handling after-hour problems. Find out what your provider’s plan is and do not hesitate to call when you think your child is sick.

Have you struggled with whether to take your infant to the doctor or not? How do you decide?

In this month’s issue of ParentLife, Evelyn Hanes gave some very helpful guidelines for healthy weight loss in our "A Healthy Life" department. But what about the kids? What should children do to maintain a healthy weight? Check out the following guidelines for kids from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Eat five fruits and vegetables each day.

Participate in one hour of physical exercise each day.

Limit screen time to less than two hours each day.

Limit sugar sweetened drinks.

Eat breakfast every day.

Choose low-fat dairy products (ages 2 and up).

Eat meals together as a family.

Limit fast food, take out, and eating out.

Prepare foods at home as a family.

Eat a diet rich in calcium and fiber.

Following these guidelines for your child will help him grow healthy and strong … and they are good guildelines for the whole family!

What healthy habits does your family have that might help other families who want to lead a healthier lifestyle? Share your ideas with us by leaving a comment!

Tooth decay is considered the most common chronic childhood disease—five times more common than asthma—according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The department also reports that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. Fortunately, good oral health habits can keep tooth decay at bay.

To help teach students and parents this important lesson, Trident has partnered with Smiles Across America (SAA), a program that links schools and dental care providers to help fight untreated oral disease. The company’s support has enabled SAA to double the number of children it cares for and expand services for more children in underserved communities.

The following are some great oral care tips for both parents and children to practice.

• Brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime, to remove food particles and plaque. Plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.

• Use a soft toothbrush so you don’t scratch teeth or gums.

• Brush both the teeth and gums, especially the areas where teeth and gums meet, and the chewing surfaces of teeth.

• Always brush after eating candy and other sugary or starchy snacks, and after drinking sugary sodas and juices.

• Adults should supervise tooth brushing, giving a second brushing after kids have brushed to make sure teeth are clean.

• Floss every day to remove food and plaque from between teeth and under gums. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar—a hard, yellow buildup.

• Visit the dentist every six months to one year for cleanings and checkups, beginning at age 1, when baby teeth are coming in.

Have you been able to establish a good oral care routine with your family?

Our staff came across the following information from Dr. Stuart Fischer about how to eat healthy as a family during the back-to-school season, especially when a parent is struggling with weight issues.

Tell the Truth

Be a great role model and tell the truth. Sit the family down for a heart-to-heart talk where the overweight parent should freely admit to the child that they are not a healthy weight and that some of their food choices have not been ideal. The parent should offer hope on how they will make healthy changes together – letting the children see how their lives can improve as a result.

Discover Your Personal MythsThe biggest issue in the weight-loss process for the parents is addressing “personal myths” – the excuses that people give themselves to rationalize their behavior. Once the parent recognizes these are excuses, they can move on to make the right choices for their family.

Make a PlanThe next step is to make a plan, keeping in mind that losing weight is actually quite simple. Work off more calories than you eat. Set a realistic weight-loss goal (no more than 2 pounds per week). Make a plan on how to incorporate more exercise in everyone’s day-to-day routine. Exercising two to three times a week is ideal at the beginning. Cook and Shop TogetherAs a family, figure out what and how much you want to eat per day for your first week, then crunch the numbers and come up with a menu. There are tons of great healthy recipes online. Go shopping with your child and explain what foods are healthy. Teach kids to avoid “empty calories,” high-calorie foods with little to no nutritional content such as soda, sugary desserts, fast food, or potato chips.

Act on Other IssuesEveryone overeats for different reasons. Identify some of the issues causing them to eat, and then take mini-steps to change their behavior.

Reward, Reward, RewardAs the weight starts to come off, reward yourself in ways OTHER than food. It could be a new lip gloss, haircut, tickets for a game or play, outfit, purse, backpack, etc. Reward frequently but not lightly. A great time for a smaller reward would be after two weeks if everyone has been sticking to the plan and are on track for their weight-loss goals.

This is a great time to focus on good health for your sake and that of your child. A new study shows that overweight and obese students are performing worse in school than their physically fit counterparts, jeopardizing their professional future as well as their health. For more information on Dr. Fischer and the celebrity consultants, please go to www.parkavenuediet.com.

Do you remember what if feels like to be sunburned? Miserable! That memory of the pain of sunburn is enough to remind me to slather on the sunscreen when I know I am going to be out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. However, I am occasionally reminded that sunburns can happen anytime of year and even on cloudy days. I forgot the sunscreen once this baseball season on what started out as a cloudy, rainy day. By the end of the game I had gotten my share of sun!

Avoid sun exposure and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn.

When adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands.

If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For Young Children

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.

Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.

The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.

For Older Children

The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.

Stay in the shade whenever possible and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours — between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen — about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.